New York City

Politics

Who is Rafael Rubio, the NYC Council staffer still being held by ICE?

The City Council employee detained in January has shown how vulnerable New York City’s immigrants can be – even those with documentation and powerful allies.

New York City

Politics

Eric Adams’ last-minute charter revision commission is hell bent on meeting ‘imminently’ – and self-funding if necessary

The previous mayor convened the group as a final gesture of defiance toward his predecessor. Members want to change New York City’s primary system, and they’re working on strategies to go around Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s likely opposition.

New York City Council

Politics

At hearing, Menin gets mixed feedback on her protest barrier bill

The council speaker tweaked the legislation that originally sought to keep protesters 100 feet away from houses of worship.

News & Politics

Politics

Mamdani once said his admin would be ‘Trump’s worst nightmare.’ In practice, he’s taking a cordial approach.

The New York City mayor didn’t mention the president’s funding threats as he bemoaned a coming budget gap. He didn’t go to a Pride flag raising at a national monument. He texts the president regularly.

Policy

Politics

Thousands, but few electeds, descend on state Capitol to pressure Hochul to tax the rich

Over 1,500 people marched in Albany, calling on state leaders to raise income taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations.

New York State

Politics

An Albany exodus of retiring state lawmakers

A dozen lawmakers from both parties and both legislative chambers have said they won’t seek reelection this year

2026 New York state elections

Politics

Molinaro launches grand return to New York politics

Marc Molinaro left his post as the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Transit Administration to run for an upstate Assembly seat.

New York State Assembly

Politics

lllapa Sairitupac preps second run for lower Manhattan Assembly seat

DSA could be backing a candidate in Assembly Member’s Grace Lee’s district as she runs for state Senate instead.

News & Politics

Politics

Ossé and Hanif officially join DSA’s City Council bloc

The democratic socialist organization now controls four seats on the New York City Council.

2026 congressional midterm elections

Politics

Only 12% of Alex Bores’ donations come from NY-12

The Assembly member raised more money from Berkeley, California, than Manhattan as the race to represent one of the country's wealthiest districts has garnered national attention.

Heard Around Town

Politics

Stavisky fumes about equal opportunity program funding cuts

The chair of the state Higher Education Committee said Gov. Kathy Hochul needs to restore funding for college programs for disadvantaged students.

News & Politics

Politics

Labor considers ditching Ramos, sources say

After 1199SEIU endorsed state Senate Labor Committee chair Jessica Ramos’ primary challenger, other major unions are quietly weighing whether to follow suit.

Campaigns & Elections

Politics

Brad Lander is ‘holds barred’ against Dan Goldman amid redistricting fight

The former NYC Comptroller stopped by a redistricting panel over Caucus Weekend as the fate of his congressional bid could hang another mid-decade reapportionment.

News & Politics

Politics

Former Assembly member plans to primary Rep. Laura Gillen over ICE funding vote

Taylor Darling says she’s running against the Long Island congressional representative, who’s one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the country.

News & Politics

Politics

John Kagia could be tapped to lead Office of Cannabis Management

Gov. Kathy Hochul may promote Kagia, the office’s policy director, to take over the state agency.